(PHOENIX) – Thursday, July 26, 2012 -- Matt Kerner, who is walking cross country from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of suicide prevention for military veterans met with Attorney General Tom Horne during the Phoenix leg of Kerner’s walk today.

Kerner’s walk is designed to give him the opportunity to meet people along the way who support service members and veterans, and to recognize the sacrifices of their families. After the visit with the Attorney General, Matt will continue his journey through Phoenix before heading to northern Arizona and furthering his trek across the country.

“Mr. Kerner is performing a great service by undertaking this walk,” Horne said. “Our veterans and their families brave unimaginable hardships to serve this nation, and they and their families deserve our thanks and support. And when we learn of the tragic increase in the incidents of suicide among vets, that makes the work of the Active Heroes organization even more important. I wish Matt Kerner great success as he continues his walk to Washington, D.C. and I am pleased to offer my thanks as Attorney General for his commitment to this cause.”

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has expanded its role in serving military and veteran families by highlighting veterans and military consumer protection initiatives, working with the Veterans’ Court, assisting in military and veteran training for First Responders, helping with financial literacy outreach and other programs.